No 3 position is the aim for Housego at Gloucestershire

Dan Housego says his decision to join Gloucestershire was made in the hope of becoming a first team regular in all forms of the game.

The 23-year-old former Middlesex batsman, who has signed a three-year contract at Bristol, will join up with the squad in advance of the pre-season programme and can’t wait to get started with his new club.

He said: “I was at Middlesex for five years at a time the club when the club had a lot of experienced cricketers and about 29 players on the staff, so it wasn’t easy to get into the first team.

“I’m told there are only 15 or 16 in the Gloucestershire squad at the moment so it will be an entirely different environment and I have signed because I hope to play a lot more first team games.

“I am happy to bat in any position and hope I can play in all forms of cricket. My preference is the four-day game, but I also enjoy Twenty20 and 40-over cricket.

Gloucestershire have pencilled in Housego for the number three batting slot as their young side look to build on a promising season in the LV=County Championship last summer.

Director of cricket John Bracewell said: “I believe Dan is ready to play regular first team cricket in that difficult position.”

Bracewell’s reputation as coach was another major factor in Housego’s decision to move to the West Country.

“I am good mates with Anthony Ireland, who speaks glowingly of John from his time at the club,” said the newcomer, who has spent three and a half months this winter playing Grade cricket in Australia for South Perth.

A talented schoolboy athlete, Housego, from Windsor, chose cricket as a career despite being a promising footballer with Oxford United. He represented England at cricket at Under-15, 16 and 17 levels, and has been a prolific scorer in Second XI cricket.